Alumni
Recording star Kenny Chesney, four-time Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year, holds a degree in advertising. Another notable attendee is Timothy Busfield, known for his Emmy Award-winning role on the popular 1980s TV series thirtysomething. Busfield attended ETSU for a short while, but did not graduate. He starred in a series of advertisements for the school in the late 1980s. Ron Ramsey, the current Lieutenant Governor of Tennessee, graduated in 1978 majoring in Industrial Technology. Ronald E. Carrier, a 1955 graduate, was the fourth President of James Madison University, serving from 1971 to 1998. Mike Smith, current Atlanta Falcons head coach, also attended ETSU. R. Alan King, awarded two Bronze Stars and author of Twice Armed: An American Soldiers Battle for Hearts and Minds in Iraq, graduated in 1987. Besse Cooper, the oldest person in the world as of June 21, 2011 (2011 -06-21), graduated from East Tennessee Normal School in 1916.
Noted professional athletes include:
- Gerald Sensabaugh, safety, Dallas Cowboys (2005-present)
- Earl Ferrell, running back, St. Louis Cardinals (1982-1989)
- Thane Gash, safety, Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers (1988-1993)
- Donnie Abraham, cornerback, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1996-2001)
- Atlee Hammaker, MLB all-star pitcher, led NL in ERA 1983, San Francisco Giants
- Ed Goodson, third baseman San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers (1970-1977)
- J.C. Snead, PGA Tour golfer, member of Ryder Cup teams 1971, 1973 and 1975
- Mike Hulbert, PGA Tour golfer (1981-2001)
- Rhys Davies, European Tour golfer (2010-present)
- Larry Hinson, PGA Tour golfer (1968-1976)
- Aaron Schoenfeld, forward, Columbus Crew, MLS soccer (2012-present)
- Keith "Mister" Jennings, NBA, Golden State Warriors (1992-1995)
- Harley Swift, ABA, San Antonio Spurs (1969-1974)
- Neil Cusack, long distance runner, 1974 Boston Marathon winner
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